Separating machine



Feb. 6, 1945. .1. Q. SHERMAN SEPARAT ING MACHINE y Original Filed April 5, 1935 v INVE'NTOR v d0f//V 0. S//ERMAA/ and affording increased elciency.

Patented ela-6,

SEPARATING MACHINE John Quirk Sherman, deceased, late of iDayton,

Ohio, by Katherine M. Sherman, William C. Sherman, and Wellmore B. Turner, executors,

all oi' DaytonrOhio Original application April 5, 1935, Serial No.

Divided and this application August 1,

1941, serial No. 405,094v

2s claims. (Crm1-2.1)

This invention relates to asserting apparatus for manifolding material, and more' particularly to a method of operation and mechanism for progressively separating alternating continuous interfolded strips of record and transfer material, and rearranging Athe separated strips into 'individual packets.

The use of continuous superposed strips of series connected forms interleaved with continuous strips of one time carbon material for production of manifold copies of written mate# rial has become quite extensive and common as a time saving expedient. Heretofore it has been the usual practiceto collectively divide the strips transversely into successive sets of forms and interleaved sheets of transfer material which must be subsequently manually separated and assorted according to destination or use of the several copies. Much time of assembling and inserting the Amaterial in the writing machine is saved by the use of such continuous series connected forms, but, subsequently considerable time is consumed in the manual separation of detached sets of form's and transfer material.

The present invention provides for high, speed mechanical separation ofthe inscribed stripsof connected forms and the interleaved transfer material, thus achieving a great saving in time Instead of distributing the separated copies of successive sets of forms as heretofore, the present method and apparatus enables consecutive copies of different sets of forms to be kept together by refolding the separated strips without dividing them into independent sheets or form portions. Thus, in atypical system wherein duplicate copies of each order are to be'forwarded respectively to the warehouse, the packing department, the delivery department, sales department, accounting department, and a customers copy enclosed withI each shipment, by the present apparatus and method of separating the superposed inscribed record strips into separate packets, copies forl each department or purpose are kept in consecutive order, whereby they are more easily handled.

assured against loss or misplacement, and much ter pertains to a distinctivespecies of strip sepa.- rating apparatuawherein the` assembly of alternating superposed record and transfer strips withdrawn fromI a single supply packet wherein the plural strips are collectively interfolded, and are divergently directed through radiating paths of travel into individual receivers whereinthe strips are reformed intoindividual zigzag folded packets. To facilitate the refolding of the strips -in their respective receiving compartments, and

incidentally to break any adhesion of the strips one to another, .a vibratory motion is transmitted tothe strips during their advancement from the common supply pack to the receiving compartments.

The separating apparatus may beassociated directly with a writing machine whereby the strips are immediately separated as they pass from such writing machine. Such apparatus preferably comprises a separate motor driven unit to which the inscribed manifolding material is transferredfrom the writingmachine. In the event the material is marginallypunched for pin wheel feeding devices, the separating apparatus may be provided with a pin type roller, the :leed-A ing p ins of which engage in the marginally punched lfeecl holes. It is found, however, that due to the interfolding of the several strips, by applying traction to a single interleaved transfer strip or to only one of the record strips all of the associated interfolded strips maybe drawn in unison from the supply packet without other feeding means.

The object of the invention is to provide an assorting' or separating apparatus for disassem-v bling superposed interfolded strips of manifold. l ing material which may be economically constructed and operated and which will be efficient ,and rapid in "use, substantially automatic in action, and unlikely to get out of repair.

A further object of the invention is to enable separate .distribution of multiple copy incribed forms, whereby corresponding copies of successive sets of forms will be maintained in interconnected sequence.-

A further object of the invention is tol provi an improved apparatus and method of operation v by which collectively interfolded strips of record and transfer material may be progressively sep-` arated and reformed into individual packets.

A further but no less important feature of the.' invention is the provision of vibrating means by which to and fro vibratory motion is 'transmitted to the strips during their advancement from the supply packet into individual' packets.

A further object of the invention is to provide a `strip separating apparatus having the advantageous structural features and inherent meritorious characteristics andv mode of operation herein mentioned.

With the above primary and other incidental objects in view as will more fully appear in the speciflcation, the invention intended to be protected by Letters Patent consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation, or their ing apparatus may be directly associated with a writing or imprinting mechanism,.by the strip feeding devices of which the assembly of superposed strips may be delivered directly to the present separating apparatus, it is preferably embodied in a separate self-contained unit. While the separator illustrated 'in the drawing is efective and eilicient for the present purpose, it is to be understood that it is obviously not the -only form' of embodiment `of the invention butcomprises onlyl one species thereof, and therefore the invention is not limited to the specific structure shown. Likewise, while manifolding assemblies to be separated usually comprise superposed record strips and interleaved transfer strips of one time carbon material, they are not necvibratory strip ating or divergent relation are a plurality of guide panels llone for each strip. By means of the angularly disposed guide panels il the several strips are directed into divergent paths as they leave the feeding device.

Located on the base 2 is a plurality of strip receivers or collecting compartments I2. Disposed in elevated relation above -the base and receivers I2 is a second series of shelf-like receivers or strip compartments I 3. The latter are disposed in staggered or oset relation with the receivers I2 of the rst series. The receivers I2 'and I3 are positioned to separately receive the several strips. Those strips destined for the lower series of receiving compartments I2 pass in termediate or beyond the compartments i3 of the upper series.

Mounted upon the frame or supporting structure I is vibratory frame it, from which project relatively spaced pairs of parallel guide pins 'I5 vwhich extend through slots I6 in the frame i of sumcient size to permit an ample range of to ,and fro motion. The parallel spaced pins I5 essarily solarranged, but may comprise record strips exclusively, either carbon backed or those o V ments I2 and I3, wherein .they automatically reutilized with sheets of carbon stationarily interleaved between the strips lat the record receiving pomtion, past whichv the strips will have been -I advanced.

Referring to Fig. 1, the present unit includes ya main frame or supporting structure I which arises from a base 2. Located at the top of the l structure is a box or compartment 3 for a supply packet I of interfolded plural Strips 5 to be separated. Adjacent to the supply compartment and connected thereto by4 a guide passage or trough l is a strip feeding device common to all the strips ofthe assembly. The feedingdevice,

may be of any desired type, either frictional or receivers,` are slotted strip guide lingers 8' 'bef tween which and the roller I and the stripassembly is advanced by the feeding pins 8. It is not essential that the .feed device directly engage all oi' the strips of the assembly, since the interlocking folds of the collectively folded strips in the supply packet and th inherent friction between the stripsis sufllcient to cause the strips to-be advanced in unison even though only one or a p ortion ofthe strips be positively fed by the feeding device.

trative, purposes an actuating crank handle/ Il is' for actuation. Extending downwardly from the feedint devie in radi- While ordinarily the' feedingv device is actuated by an electric motor, for illusform guides for the several strips of the manifolding assembly intermediate the ends of the divergent guide panels II and the receiving compartments I2 and I3.

The assembly of superposed strips 5 are co1- lectively withdrawn from the supply packet s within the elevated compartment3, or may be supplied directly to the present unit from the writing or imprinting apparatus. They are advanced in unison over the guide S and thence over the feeding roller I beyond which they are separated and directed through separate paths' in angularly inclined or divergent relation relative to each other by a series of radiating guide panels II. Beyond the ends of the guide chutes the strips pass between the corresponding guide vpins I5 to the corresponding receiving compartassume zigzag reversely folded formation,` upon the original fold lines of the supply packet B. The pairs of spaced pins I5 between which individual strips are directed are also eil'ective to determine the divergent paths of the several strips.` A

To insure automatic refolding of the separated strips upon their original fold lines, the frame Il and guide pins I5 carried thereby are given ato and fro reciprocatory motion which is transmitted to the several strips passing intermediate the guide pins. Such motion serves to lay the strip rst in one direction and then in the other in succeeding folds. This insures free uniform -refolding of the strips at a comparatively rapid rate without danger of disarrangement orv tearing of the forms. f

To impart vibratory motion. to the frame Il and advancing strips 5, the frame `Il is connected by a link I'I with a crank or wrist pin I8 upon a disc I 9 carried by the feed roller shaft and rotating in unison` with the feed roller The link I1 -being suitably connected at its opposite end to the reciprocatory frame Il-by a bell crank lever 2li transmits to and from motion to the guide pin carrying frame Il. As the-feeding 'roller 'I is rotated to progressively advance the several strips from the supply Packet, 4 to the .individual receiving compartments I2 and II, the guide frame Il is rec iprocated to and fro to impart to the strips alternating'impulses in opposite directions, which 4 not only .break any adhesions of the strips, but simultaneously facilitate the refolding of the 2,868,083 '-separated strips hupon their original fold be used in lieu thereof, as is illustrated in the .A

parent case, in which event the strips need not be marginally punched.

From the above description itwill be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as de sirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacriflc. ing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited tothe specic features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise the preferred form vof several Amodes of putting the invention into effect, and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims. 'r

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. A separating apparatus for an assembly of superposed strips, at least a portion of which have therein longitudinally spaced feed holes, a frame, apin type feeding device at the top yof the frame for engagement in the said feed holes for collectively advancing the strips in unison from a source of supply, a support over which the strips are progressively advanced, multiple pairs of guide elements located below the level of the pin type feeding device, between the members of the respective pairs of which individual strips areadvanced divergently from the support, and receivers into which the individual strips are delivered from the respective pairs of guide elements.

2. A separating apparatus for an assembly of superposed strips, at least a portion of which have therein longitudinally spaced feed holes, a frame, a pin type' feeding deyice at the top of the frame for engagement in the said feed holes for collectively advancing the strips in unison from a source of supply, -a support over which the strips are progressively advanced, a plurality of downwardly directed radially disposed guides for individual strips of the assemblyto which the strips are delivered by said pin type feeding device, and a plurality of receivers into l which the several strips are independently' delivei'ed from said radially disposed guides.'

3. A separating apparatus fr an assembly of superposed 4strips, at least a portion ofwwhich 4have therein longitudinally spaced feed holes,

low the level of said support to which the strips are individually directed downwardly from the common support through radiating paths of travel, and separate receivers for the individual itrips associated with they respective guide deces.

4. In an apparatus. for separating multiple superposed strips, a feeding device. engageable with at least one of the strips for advancing the plurality of` strips in unison from a source of supply, a series of guides for individual strips of the plurality, a plurality of receivers associated with the respective guides into 'which the strips are simultaneously advanced past the respective individual strip guides by the operation of 'the feeding device, and means for transmitting vibratory motion to the guides during the passage of the strips to facilitate folding of the strips in the receivers.

5. In a strip separating apparatus, a supporting frame, a strip feeding device thereon common to a plurality ofl superposed strips to be separated, a series of radiating strip guides relative to which the strips are individually advanced by the common feeding device, and a plurality of receivers into which certain of the 'strips are individually delivered from .the guides.

6.,In a strip separating apparatus, a supporting frame, a strip feeding device thereon common to\ a plurality of strips to be separated, a

` plurality of strip guides disposed to individually guide the strips in divergent paths of travel relative to which the strips are advanced by the common strip feeding device, and a plurality of receivers, into which different strips are diver-s gently directed by the guides.

'1. In a strip separatingvapparatus, the corn--- bination with 'a strip feeding device common to a plurality of superposed continuous strips to` be separated, of a series'of spaced strip guides relative to'which the strips are progressively advanced in downwardly divergent directions, and

' parting a succession of vibratory, impulses to the strips intermediate the strip feeding device and the receivers.

col

the advancing strips.

9. In a strip separating apparatus whereinv strips of a collective packet are individually deposited into separate receivers, a strip feeding device common to a plurality of strips, separate receivers for individual strips to which the strips are simultaneously delivered, and vibratory means for agitating the strips during their advancement by the strip feeding device.-

,10. In a strip separating apparatus wherein strips of a collective packet'are individually deposited into separate receivers, a strip feeding device common to a plurality of strips, separate receivers -for individual strips to which the strips` are simultaneously delivered, and impulse transmitting means for effecting a jogging effect upon 11. Inv a. strip nseparating apparatus wherein strips of a collective packet are individually deposited into separate receivers, a strip feeding device comiron` to a plurality of strips, separate receive'rs for individual strips toy which the strips are simultaneouslydelivered,and a beater member repetitiously engaging a plurality of the strips beyond the feeding device. v

12.. A strip separating apparatus wherein an assembly of superposed independent strips are separated from each other, a strip feeding means common to the assembly of strips and operative to advance the strips in unison, a plurality of guides for the individual-strips relative to which the strips are individually advanced, and means for transmitting a succession of vibratory impulses to the strips during their approach to the individual guides.

13. In a .strip separating apparatus, a strip feeding device for collectively advancing a plurality of strips past aseparation point, aplurallty of separate receivers for the separated strips, guide means for directing separated strips to individual receivers, and a beater device for imparting to the strips a percussion action during advancement thereof.

14. In a strip separating apparatus, a strip feeding device for collectively advancing a plurality of strips past a separation point, a plurality of separate receivers for the separated strips, guide means for directing separated strips to individual receivers, and a shock imparting device eec'tive to impart vibratory motion to the strips as they are advanced by the strip feeding device.

15. The herein described method of a manifolding assembly of continuous alternating strips of record and transfer material, including advancing the assembly of strips in'unison past a separation point, separately directing different strips of the assembly through separate paths of travel, transmitting vibratory motion to the strips during advancement thereof, and collecting the separately directed strips into separate portions.

16, The herein described method of separating a unitaryrpacket of interfolded superposed continuous alternating record and transfer strips into plural packets, including advancing the superposed strips in unison from the initial packet, directing dierent strips thereof through separate paths of travel, shaking the strips during advancement thereof and refolding the separated strips of the initial single packet into a plurality of packets.

17. A strip separating apparatus, including a supporting structure., a strip feeding device for advancing in unison a plurality of superposed strips past a separating position, and an agitator for the strips actuated in unison with the strip feeding device operative upon the strips during their advancement.

18. A strip separating apparatus, including'v a supporting structure, a strip feeding device for advancing in unison a plurality of superposed strips past a separating position, and an agitator impartingto the strips alternating movement perpendicular to' the planes of the strips during their advancement.

19. A strip feeding apparatus, wherein a. packet of collectively assembled superposed strips are separated into independent packets, a strip feeding device for advancing a plurality of such strips to a separation point, a. plurality 'of inclined spaced guides relative to which dilerent strips of the plurality are advanced and a plurality of spaced strip receivers disposed in vertically spaced relation one above another, to which dierent strips of the plurality are directed by the guides.

20. A strip feeding apparatus, wherein a packet of collectively assembled superposed strips are separated into independent packets, a strip feedseparating ing device -for advancing a plurality of such strips to a separation point, a plurality of spaced guides relative to which different strips of the plurality are advanced.' and a plurality of spaced strip receivers disposed in vertically spaced relation one above another, to which different strips of the plurality are directed by the guides.

21. A strip feeding apparatus, wherein a packet of collectively assembled superposed strips are separated into independent packets.' a strip feeding device for effecting simultaneous advancement of a plurality of such strips, guide means for4 directing the strips in relatively inclined paths o f travel, and Aa, plurality of spaced receivers into which diiferent strips are deposited.

22. In a strip separating apparatus, a plurality of strip guides relative to which'diierent strips pass downwardly from a collective assembly thereof, a plurality of receiving compartments to which certain of the strips are directed by said guide chutes, and strip folding means for causing certain of the strips to be folded` in zigzag packs in the receiving compartments.

23. In a "strip separating apparatus, a plurality of guide chutes relative to which different strips pass downwardly from a collective assembly thereof, receiving compartments arranged in superposed spaced relation into which certain of the strips are directed by the 4guide chutes, and-strip folding means for causing certain of the strips to be folded in zigzkag formation'within the compartments.

24. In a strip separating apparatus, a plurality of guide chutes, relative to which different strips lpass downwardly from a collective assembly thereof, a. plurality of receivers, one for each guide chute to which the strips are directed thereby, and spaced strip guides adjacent. to the guide chute entrances for guiding different strips to corresponding guide chutes.

25. In a strip separating apparatus, a plurality of guides arranged side by side relative to which different strips pass downwardly from an assembly thereof, receivers to which different strips are directed by corresponding guides, a support for a supply pack of collectively assembled strips to be separated at one side of the entrance to said guides, a strip assembly guide relative to which the assembly of strips is collectively advanced intermediate the support for the supply pack and the entrances to the strip guides, and feeding means for inducing travel movement of the assembly of strips relative to said strip assembly guide.

26. A strip separating apparatus, including a strip feeding device for feeding anI assembly of superposed record strips. a guide wall, over which the strips are collectively advanced from a supply pack thereof, a plurality of inclined guides of superposed continuous strips from a source of supply to a, point of separation, a plurality .of receiving compartments, guide means for directing dinrent strips of the assembly 'inw dierent receiving compartments, and strip folding means associated with the receiving compartments for eecting automatic folding of the pendent zigzag packets.

28. In a strip separating apparatus, in combination, a plurality of gravity chutes, side by side, in which strips from an assembly pass downwardly by gravity, receiving compartments l with which the lower ends of certain said chutes trips from` the chutes, strip folding means for causing certain o f the strips to be folded in'zigzag packs in the respective receiving' compartments, and. a plurality of strip guides adjacent strps ventering the compartments into inde- '5 to the chute entrance vpassageways for guiding the strips to the latter.

KATHERINE M. SHERMAN. WILLIAM C. SHERMAN, WEILMORE B. TURNER,

Executors of the Estate of John Q. Sherman,

Deceased. 

